May 3, 2018 - 1:30pm

Health and Human Services Commission Brown-Heatly Building Public Hearing Room
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin Texas, 78751

Agenda

Webcasting Available

Entry is through security at the main entrance of the building facing Lamar Blvd.

Hearing.  The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Ambulance and Dental Services.  The proposed rate actions are consistent with the legislative directive in Rider 33, Article II of the General Appropriations Act for the 2018-2019 Biennium, that HHSC develop and implement cost containment initiatives, including fee-for-service payment changes that incentivize the most appropriate and effective use of services.

The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements.  HHSC will broadcast the public hearing; the broadcast can be accessed at https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/live-archived-meetings.  The broadcast will be archived and can be accessed on demand at the same website.

Proposal.  The payment rates are proposed to be effective September 1, 2018, for the following services:

Ambulance Services; and

Dental Services (Texas Health Steps Dental/Orthodontia).

Methodology and Justification. The proposed payment rates were calculated in accordance with Title 1 of the Texas Administrative Code:

§355.8085, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for physicians and other practitioners;

§355.8441, which addresses the reimbursement methodologies for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Services (known in Texas as Texas Health Steps); and

§355.8600, which addresses the reimbursement methodology for ambulance services.

Briefing Package.  A briefing package describing the proposed payment rates will be available at http://rad.hhs.texas.gov/rate-packets  on or after April 19, 2018.  Interested parties may obtain a copy of the briefing package on or after April 19, 2018, by contacting Rate Analysis by telephone at (512) 730-7401; by fax at (512) 730-7475; or by e-mail at RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us.  The briefing package will also be available at the public hearing.

Written Comments.  Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, hand delivery, fax, or e-mail:

U.S. Mail
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030

Overnight mail, special delivery mail, or hand delivery
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78751

Phone number for package delivery: (512) 730-7401

Fax
Attention:  Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7475

E-mail
RADAcuteCare@hhsc.state.tx.us

Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should contact Rate Analysis at (512) 730-7401 at least 72 hours before the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.